Nation's Attic 2024 Diving Into History

John Date Montreal Canada Antique Diving Helmet

The auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: $3,000

Estimated price: $6,000 - $8,000

Buyer's premium:

This beautiful 20th Century diving helmet was made by John Date in Montreal, Canada. John Date was the only diving helmet manufacturer in Canada. Starting in the 1850’s John Date would go on to make some of the finest helmets ever made in North America. Today just about any example is prized for their quality and rarity.

 

This specific example is a 3-light (windows) 12-bolt helmet. It does feature serial number 642 on the bonnet neck ring, breastplate neck ring, and faceplate frame, with full numbers matching! Based on information from noted John Date expert Mike Babiski, this helmet was made on October 9th, 1956, and shipped to an engineering firm.

 

The helmet features a beautiful dark patina to the copper body and brass hardware. The helmet still retains all four brails, twelve wing nuts, exhaust valve, original glass, side port guards, communications cup, air and communications fittings, spring-loaded safety pin, internal air vents, exhaust chin button, and original reproducer (telephone speaker). The air fitting also has a John Date stamped non-return valve. The only missing component is one of the knobs on the faceplate.

 

It’s not often we have the honor of handling a John Date helmet. This example, with the working dents on the bonnet and rubbing to the shoulders on the breastplate, gives hints to the hard work and adventures this helmet was part of so long ago.

 

All diving helmets in this auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept on permanent file at Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

 

All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL Express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your countries customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.